The Indian automotive market is gearing up for major launches and electrification trends in the electric two-wheeler (e2W) segment in 2025.
Leading manufacturers like Honda, TVS, Royal Enfield, Hero MotoCorp, and KTM are set to unveil models, encompassing both electric scooters and premium motorcycles.
Honda is expecting to kick off January 2025 with the highly anticipated launch of Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters.
The vehicle is expected to be priced between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be available in key cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Although Honda has not disclosed its price and booking, it was revealed that the Activa Electric scooter will be launched at the India Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January.
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India's electric two-wheeler market is currently dominated by scooters, with electrification penetration higher in this segment (around 15 per cent) than overall two-wheelers (5-6 per cent).
States like Rajasthan have witnessed even higher scooter electrification rates, exceeding 40 per cent.
Srikumar Krishnamurthy, senior vice-president at ICRA, stated that upcoming launches are poised to accelerate this electrification momentum.
However, he acknowledged challenges in the electric motorcycle segment. He said, “Adoption remains limited due to performance and affordability concerns. Success in this category will depend on delivering models that resonate with the traditional motorcycle rider in terms of sturdiness, performance, and value.”
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) data reveals that total two-wheeler sales (including motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds) from January to November 2023 reached 15.86 million units. In 2024, this figure increased to 18.43 million units, indicating a growth in the two-wheeler market.
Meanwhile, data from the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) shows that electric two-wheeler sales in 2023 totalled 857,369 units. In 2024, they reached 891,738 units, demonstrating a steady increase in their adoption.
Royal Enfield is also gearing up to make waves with the Scram 440 and the Classic 650, both of which are launching in January.
The Scram 440, built on the proven Himalayan 411 platform, boasts of a larger engine for enhanced performance.
The Classic 650 will combine the charm of the Classic 350 with a 648 cc engine of the Shotgun 650, delivering 46.3 bhp and 52.3 Nm of torque.
Additionally, the Bullet 650 Twin, sharing its powertrain with the Classic 650, is also under development, while the Himalayan 450 Rally version is set to bring functional and visual upgrades.
Hero MotoCorp will also introduce the XPulse 210, which is expected to be powered by a 210 cc liquid-cooled engine producing 24.8 PS and 20.7 Nm of torque. With adventure-ready features like a taller windscreen and long-travel suspension, the XPulse 210 may be priced around the Karizma XMR.
Hero will also reveal its Xtreme 250R and Karizma 250R, alongside the sporty Xoom 125R scooter, priced between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom).
KTM’s new-generation 390 Adventure series, including the 390 Enduro R, will enter the market in early 2025. With prices ranging from Rs 3.3 lakh to Rs 3.8 lakh (ex-showroom), these models are geared towards off-road enthusiasts.
TVS will launch an updated version of the Ronin, featuring dual-channel ABS and new colour options.
Suzuki, meanwhile, is preparing to unveil the next-generation Access 125, bringing upgrades to the popular scooter.
Experts believe key upcoming launches like Honda’s Activa e: and Hero’s XPulse 210 are expected to bolster this segment. However, electric motorcycles face challenges in adoption due to performance and affordability concerns.
Analysts further believe that Royal Enfield, Harley-Davidson, and other brands are expected to accelerate electric motorcycle launches in the coming years.
According to Kavan Mukhtyar, partner and leader - automotive advisory at PwC, the premium bike segment will witness robust growth in 2025, with advancements in connectivity and safety features.
“The premium bike market is clearly expanding, and I foresee robust growth in this space. In 2025, we will also see the introduction of connected features and advanced safety capabilities, particularly in premium models,” Mukhtyar said.
He highlighted that electrification is set to accelerate further, with several high-quality electric scooters and motorcycles entering the space.
“The electric motorcycle segment, which has been nearly non-existent in recent years, will begin to see some significant activity starting in 2025. Established brands are expected to step into this space with promising launches,” Mukhtyar added.
As India’s two-wheeler market continues to recover from the pandemic, analysts predict a surge in electrification during 2025. It would be supported by government incentives, innovative launches, and growing consumer interest.
Government incentives, such as the PM eDrive scheme, are crucial for driving electric two-wheeler adoption. However, the long-term impact of these schemes remains to be seen.